How to Create a SWOT Analysis Diagram

SWOT analysis is a way to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or business venture. A SWOT diagram helps you visualize these so they're easier to discuss and brainstorm during strategic planning. SmartDraw is the perfect tool to help you make a SWOT diagram quickly and easily.

Getting Started with SWOT Templates

To get started, click on the Strategy and Planning category on the left hand side of the template browser screen and click on the SWOT Analysis option. Choose a SWOT diagram from the different looks available.

SWOT Questions

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. To fill out each category, it may help to think of some questions to ask yourself or your team for each section.

For Strengths, you should ask:

What do we do exceptionally well?

What advantages do we have?

For Weaknesses, ask:

What could we do better?

Where are we vulnerable?

For Opportunities:

What opportunities do we know about but have not yet addressed?

Are there emerging trends on which we can capitalize?

For Threats:

Are weaknesses likely to make us vulnerable?

What external roadblocks exist that block our progress?

These are just a few of the types of questions that can help you analyze your business venture.

How to Complete a SWOT Analysis Template

Filling out a SWOT template is easy compared to the hard task of actual strategic planning. Just select the section you want to add words or phrases to and start typing. You can use tab to move to the next box and continue your SWOT analysis.

Sharing Your SWOT Analysis

When your SWOT diagram is complete, you can export your diagram as an image file, insert it with a single click into a presentation or report, or share it as a link with anyone, even if they don't have SmartDraw.